Talk About It app is here for you!

IN TODAY’S fast-paced world, the need for accessible, secure, and reliable counselling services has never been greater. People from all walks of life face challenges, whether it’s stress, anxiety, relationships, career concerns, finance, health or personal growth.

The Talk About It app has been launched to provide seamless, effective, and secure communication for anyone in need of counselling. Talk About It is more than just an app, it is a safe space, guiding light, and a supportive community where people can seek counselling and support with ease and confidentiality.

According to Dr Courtney Faulknor, founder and chairman of Talk About It Limited, they believe that everyone deserves a safe space to express themselves, seek professional advice, and find support.

“The Talk About It app is more than just a regular app because it takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Unlike traditional therapy or counselling apps that focus solely on mental health, this app integrates mental health, nutrition, and financial well-being, acknowledging that these areas are interconnected. By addressing multiple aspects of a person’s life, it offers a comprehensive support system rather than just a single-service platform,” Dr Faulknor said.

“Additionally, it goes beyond just offering therapy sessions by providing a safe, accessible, and diverse range of services. Users can access support in different formats, whether through voice calls, video calls, or chat, allowing them to engage in a way that feels most comfortable. This flexibility and multidimensional approach set the app apart, making it a lifestyle and wellness companion rather than just a therapy tool,” he added.

This app, he said, caters to a variety of counselling needs, including marriage, grief , couples-related, finance, company, nutrition, pre-marital, etc. Talk About It is designed for everyone, whether you are facing personal struggles, seeking guidance, or simply need someone to talk to.

“The Talk About It app prioritises safety and confidentiality, ensuring that users can express themselves without fear of judgement, privacy breaches, or data leaks. The platform’s robust technology has been developed, implemented, and maintained by Apps Design Jamaica, a leading software development company known for its high standards in cybersecurity and digital solutions.

Whether videoconferencing or chat sessions, we value your safety,” Dr Faulknor said.

As such, the Talk About It platform offers the following safety and security:

• End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Encrypts data on the sender’s device and decrypts it only on the recipient’s device.

• Strong authentication: Restricts access to only authorised individuals.

• Unique meeting IDs: Prevents the same meeting ID from being used for multiple video calls.

• Meeting lock: Prevents uninvited guests from joining a meeting after it’s started.

• Data sovereignty: Ensures data is stored within the organisation’s preferred jurisdiction.

• Audit trails: Tracks meeting activities.

“All therapists on the platform are licensed by the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine to practise counselling in Jamaica, who all adhere to ethical standards, including confidentiality agreements. This means that users can trust that their conversations remain private and are handled by trained professionals who understand the importance of confidentiality,” Dr Faulknor said.

The Talk About It app ensures that its services remain reasonably priced, while still offering high-quality professional support. Although the services are not free, the pricing is structured to be affordable for individuals who need assistance. The goal is to make therapy and wellness support more widely available without placing a financial burden on users.

“The app includes a philanthropic initiative called ‘Be Strong for Them, Be Weak for Us’. This programme provides free assistance and support to spouses whose partners are affected by breast and prostate cancer. This initiative reflects the app’s commitment to giving back to the community and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent people from receiving emotional and psychological support during difficult times,” Dr Faulknor explained.

The Talk About It app has a unique competitive advantage as it is the first and only therapy app in Jamaica. There is no other app offering a similar level of service, giving the app a dominant position in the market.

Furthermore, the app offers unmatched convenience by allowing users to schedule and attend therapy sessions at their preferred time. The inclusion of three different modalities – voice call, video call, and chat – ensures that clients can communicate in a way that best suits their comfort level and needs.

While international therapy apps exist, the Talk About It app is specifically tailored to the Jamaican audience (locally and in the diaspora) with the consideration for cultural nuances, regional challenges, and local professionals who understand the experiences of the users in the region. This localisation makes it an invaluable resource, setting it apart from global competitors, who may not cater to the unique needs of Jamaicans here and overseas.

According to Dr Faulknor, the way forward for Talk About Limited is to solidify its position as a comprehensive, one-stop hub for holistic health by expanding its network of professional partnerships.

“Now that the app has integrated mental health, nutrition, and financial wellness, the next step is to collaborate with a medical professional or healthcare company to offer general medical consultations, telemedicine services, and possibly pharmaceutical access,” he said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com